Joseph “Joe” Randolph Bolin

Joseph “Joe” Randolph Bolin
Joseph “Joe” Randolph Bolin

Joseph Randolph Bolin, 58, passed away on August 30, 2020.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 2, 2020, at Paramount Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Joe was born January 25th, 1962 in Clovis, New Mexico, to Russell and Virginia Bolin. The only boy in a family of four children, he and his three sisters, Barbara, Terri, & Cynthia all graduated from Clovis High School. Upon graduation, Joe then moved on to West Texas State University to study music and business. It was there that he first earned a reputation as a stunningly talented tenor, performing in various productions and operas. He also toured internationally with the Continental Singers while attending WT.

While performing with the Amarillo Opera, he met Dana Dodson. The two hit it off, and married on August 10,1990. Joe continued in music, teaching adjunct voice at Amarillo College. He further built his reputation as an exceptional singer and performer, memorably portraying the role of Tamino in the Magic Flute, among various other roles in operas such as Carmen and Susannah. Along with fellow Amarillo singers (and close friends) Colin McCubbin, Jeff Whelchel, and John Young, Joe performed in the Upward Quartet, a staple in the Amarillo music community for 20 years. He also was a prominent singer and board member of Amarillo Civic Chorus/Master Chorale for 30 years, served as a music minister, and worked as an Audio-Video Systems Specialist/Engineer with Norris AV for 20 years.

Joe and Dana had four children; Allison, Daniel, Kayla, and Lindsey, all of whom sang and performed in Amarillo’s choral community, carrying on their dad’s legacy. It is certain that he wanted the same for his grandsons, Elijah and Jackson. They remember him as a loving and devoted father who taught them to love music and love God. Serving in church has been important to him his whole life. Not only did he contribute musically, he also served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Joe and Dana taught Sunday School together throughout their marriage to classes ranging from age three to young adults.

Joe was a dynamic and powerful personality, and he will be sorely missed by his beloved family, his church, and the Amarillo area music community.

Joe was preceded in death by his father Russel Bolin, his mother Virginia Bolin, and his brother-in-law Mark Stansell. He is survived by his wife Dana Bolin; his sisters Cynthia Stansell, Barbara (Dave) Bodner, and Terri (Brian) Weber; his children Allison (Sam) Smeaton, Daniel Bolin, Kayla Bolin, and Lindsey Bolin; his grandchildren Elijah Smeaton and Jackson Smeaton.

35 Replies to “Joseph “Joe” Randolph Bolin”

  1. As a cousin to Joe, I am truly sad to hear about his death. My mom, was Lois Bolin Heaton she was his dad’s half sister. Joe would come to our Adrian farm and he and my brother tortured us girls.
    Pegi heaton

  2. I was saddened to hear of Joe’s passing just this morning. I knew Joe through his work with Norris AV and their work with us at FBC Perryton. He was always a joy to be around and dedicated to doing whatever was necessary to accomplish his task. His efforts enhanced our worship at FBC. He will be missed. Prayers for you and your family.

  3. “Oh, how we cried the day you left us
    We gathered round your grave to grieve.
    I wish I could see the angels faces
    When they hear your sweet voice sing.”
    — Go Rest high on that Mountain
    Vince Gill

  4. Dana – I, like many, was rocked to the core by the sudden passing of your beloved Joe. I have no concept of how this suffocating loss impacts you as I have not walked in your shoes. Please know how deeply loved your family is and I shall continue to pray any measure of comfort that can be received from the promised Holy Spirit.
    I am often, like now, at a loss for the proper words; adjectives fail us.

  5. Joe was a great friend during our college years and a wonderful example of living the Christian life. We always intended to take a trip back to Amarillo to see you guys and I am so regretful that we didn’t. I am sorry for your loss.

  6. I got to know and appreciate Joe’s talent when we our church produced “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Then your younger daughters worked at the United where I trade. When I would take over the class of 3 year olds for ETC Dana and Joe were always immersed in their love. Don’t remember ever seeing Joe that he wasn’t smiling. Prayers for your strength and comfort. Julia

  7. It was a pleasure to sit beside or in front of Joe Bolin for almost 20 years in Amarillo Civic Chorus/ Master Chorale. His always on key tenor helped me to tune and become a better alto. He will be deeply missed.

  8. Dana, our prayers are with you and your precious family! Joe was a gentle giant of a man! What a beautiful family you both raised. Sending our love to you!

  9. We thank the Lord for Joe Bolin! Joe and his whole family meant the world to us during our time together at Paramount Baptist Church. I can still see him teaching preschoolers, and I can still hear his amazing voice praising the Lord. I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who smiled and laughed more than Joe. He was even once a perfect angel as he played Clarence in our production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Joe made life more wonderful for a lot of people!
    Mary and Gil

  10. I, like many others, sang with Joe in Civic Chorus/Master Chorale and Joe always brought a smile. I am so sad to hear that he has left this world. My prayers are with his family.

  11. Dana I just want you to know I am thinking of you and your family. You and Joe were so great together as you know but, my sympathies are with you and your family. May you always feel his spirit with you wrapping you in his arms. I pray that you feel comforted by the many prayers said in your behalf. I will always remember his smile and voice. Amanda France

  12. Dana, our hearts go out to you at this time of loss! We, too, remember Joe’s singing! Love and prayers for you and the family! May God wrap His arms of comfort and peace around you!
    Terry & Brenda Burns

  13. Joe will always live on in the wonderful memories he leaves behind. He will give you strength when you least expect it and need it most. We are all here for you, as is Joe.

  14. I enjoyed Joe’s beautiful voice, behind me, in the tenor section of Amarillo Civic Chorus/Master Chorale. It seemed like he always kept it light if things were a bit tense. I will miss him and his wit. I’m so sorry, Dana and family. Prayers for comfort to all.

  15. Hard to believe it was 30 years ago that I was the ring bearer at Joe and Dana’s wedding at Highland Baptist Church. I was an ornery, bratty kid and they were the kindest, sweetest and most patient couple. I will always remember Joe’s smile because it seemed like he always had one. I would occasionally see Joe out and about years later and he was always the same happy and kind person as I remembered. He is gone way to soon, but has left a great Legacy behind. Dana, I will be praying for you and your family throughout this time.

  16. To the Bolin family,

    You don’t know me, but I know Joe!! We went to high school together and I was with him in Concert Choir and Pop Choir. I remember him as a sweet, goofy, talented guy and he was such fun! May God bless you and comfort you in this time of sorrow. We will sing with him again!! Hallelujah!!!

  17. Dana, I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time. I know that he will be missed. He was a good husband and daddy.

  18. How we will miss hearing Joe jokingly say he got all of his hairs cut when asked if he got a hair cut. We will miss trying to listen and process as fast as his quick wit and words. But nothing can compare to the amazingly beautiful sound of his singing. What a glorious gift Joe had for singing and especially singing praise to our Lord. Dana and family, we love you all and pray that God holds you close and floods your hearts and minds with wonderful, happy memories of your days together. How blessed we have been by your friendship since 1988 and to have shared our weddings, children, and almost the same anniversary.

  19. Jesus, you are near the broken hearted. Not a tear goes unnoticed. Comfort Dana, And the family. Surround them with your love. Give them peace and hope knowing you are near. Amy

  20. Dana I was shocked to learn about Joe. I always enjoyed signing with both of you in the Amarillo Civic Chorus for many years and also the Amarillo Opera. Joe always had a great whit and personality. I will greatly miss him and will keep you all in our prayers. Your Friend, Hugh

  21. Dana and family, i am so sorry for your loss. May God be your main support during this time. God bless all of you. Love and prayers . Stefanie and family.

  22. You have to go back about 37 years when Joe and I were in HS. We sang together on many occasions, NM All State, choir tours, youth musicals. Our quartet in 1980 sang at local churches in Clovis NM, and thankfully I still have the original ampex reel tape recording of our group, thanks to Mr. Wayne Anderson (who was the man that mentored all of us during that time). We rode many a bus mile all over NM, TX, AZ and CO for school and church activities. Joe was a dear friend and I have nothing but good memories of times shared. Life and careers have separated us for many years now but the memories are not forgotten. We celebrate Joe and a life well lived. My heart felt sympathies to all his family.

  23. He always had that twinkle in his eye and that wicked sense of humor. He was the greatest Tenor voice I ever got to work with. What a loss for this area as so many mourn, but it’s heaven’s greatest gain. Would it not be a more wonderful world if we had more men like Joe?

  24. I think Joe embody the best of all of us and expressed it with joy through music. He will be missed. My heart goes out to the whole family. (Cousin Ginny)

  25. I have not seen Joe nor Dana in years!! What I did not know is that Joe attended Highland Baptist Church, where I became a Christian at 19 yo. I worked with Dana at Chili’s years ago. I was saddened to hear this news. We all know Joe is happier than he could ever be but family is hurting. My prayers for comfort and peace. Dana just posted on August 4th about she and Joe’s 30th anniversary. Wow!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!

  26. My prayers and sympathy goes out to all of Joes family. No words can help at this point, but know that he was truly loved and your family too.

  27. I did not know Joe, but do know his daughter Allison. From the reading I wish I had , I love gospel music and I can just hear his voice . I can hear him now singing in the heavenly Choir .
    Allison and family , I’m so sorry for your loss . My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you feel the arms of God , embracing each you.

  28. For so many years, Joe and my husband, Andy, sat smack-dab together in choir. I sat with them, in the tenor section. Joe was so very kind. The last time we spoke, we were having an extended family dinner at Bubba’s at Andy’s birthday celebration. Joe and Dana were there having dinner too, and Joe could not miss the opportunity to visit for a few moments with Andy and me. I treasure that visit and all of the hours that we had previously spent together living life in choir and singing for the Lord. I am devastated at this news, as so many in Amarillo are…those who knew him and got to share time with him. He is one of the kindest human beings that I have ever known. My one consolation is that I know that we will get to see him again very soon and spend eternity with him, singing eternal praises to King Jesus. What a privilege to have known him during this brief time on earth. We love you, Dana, and mourn deeply with you and your family.

  29. My heart breaks for you, Dana, and your beautiful children. Hugs and prayers for you all during the very difficult time.

  30. Joe was an awesome person with a beautiful voice and smile !! Thoughts and Prayers are with the family .

  31. Sang in the AC choir with Joe in the early 90’s. Gave me goosebumps every time I heard that beautiful voice! Worked with Dana and Joe as a music major from 90-92. My prayers are with Dana and the family, as well as the extended musical family that I know adored Joe.

  32. Joe had a great sense of humor! Loved to yuck it up with him! A fantastic and beautiful singing voice! I will miss Joe! Our prayers are with you all!

  33. I’ll never forget that voice from heaven. Many years ago at Highland Baptist Church in Amarillo, Joe was our music director.

    A beloved member during those years ‘Judy Youree’ passed away from cancer. Joe agreed to sing Beulah Land during her celebration of life.

    The rest of us would’ve fallen apart, but Joe sang that song in a very powerful way. I can still hear him today.

    Also, back in those days, we often had two pots of coffee at the church. One for all of us, and one for Joe.

    You could tell which one was Joe’s, because it was the coffee that you could stand a spoon up in. It was so strong, I couldn’t handle it. Joe could.

    I will miss him, but I’m thankful for the many great memories of the past. Dana and he were the perfect match.

    To hear them harmonize together was beyond description. Joe and Dana are both a powerful inspiration to me.

    -Terry Christian

  34. Joe ( Joebi) was a very special friend from high school. I am saddened to hear of his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

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